What about the Lamp Stand?
First, Mark and I fly tomorrow to Kigali, Rwanda, and drive to Bukavu, DR Congo (our new city of residence) on Friday! That's the plan, and God has proven faithful - again! - in providing our visas in time to make our flight. <It's really quite a story!>
We've been in Pennsylvania for Orientation with Mennonite Central Committee for the last ten days, and this morning we did lectio divina, reading Matthew 5:13-16 (on being the salt of the earth and the light of the world). I thought it appropriate to share some of my reflections in this last email before jumping into the deep end.
What stood out to me in this passage was the lamp stand and it's role in giving light to the whole house. (Note: I think the word "you" here is likely better translated "y'all" as in "All y'all Christ followers are the light of the world".) The lamp stand is a humble instrument but enables the light to spread further. The light is shining for God's glory.
It's hard for me to understand and harder to accurately communicate about this humility in going to another country to do good works. And I can't control what anyone thinks of me - or of Mark, for that matter (though he did make some really great jokes during orientation). Some people talk like what we're doing makes us extra special to God or extra good people. I see it that this is what God has planned for us and not going would be hiding and taking glory away from him. So we go because it's where the path is leading us.
I'm especially aware, too, that we have little to offer, as we'll be learning language and culture, relying on our hosts to help us, even in small things like shopping and catching a bus. Maybe this feeling is magnified because we're leaving tomorrow and I feel so small in airports and bureaucratic visa application processes. But I know God is with us and has called us to this, and we are thankful for your support along the way.
To be realistic, I'll try to keep posting on the blog and send an email occasionally, but we do expect the first couple of months to be very busy.
Much love and fond thoughts of you in a tender time of transitions!
It's hard for me to understand and harder to accurately communicate about this humility in going to another country to do good works. And I can't control what anyone thinks of me - or of Mark, for that matter (though he did make some really great jokes during orientation). Some people talk like what we're doing makes us extra special to God or extra good people. I see it that this is what God has planned for us and not going would be hiding and taking glory away from him. So we go because it's where the path is leading us.
I'm especially aware, too, that we have little to offer, as we'll be learning language and culture, relying on our hosts to help us, even in small things like shopping and catching a bus. Maybe this feeling is magnified because we're leaving tomorrow and I feel so small in airports and bureaucratic visa application processes. But I know God is with us and has called us to this, and we are thankful for your support along the way.
To be realistic, I'll try to keep posting on the blog and send an email occasionally, but we do expect the first couple of months to be very busy.
Much love and fond thoughts of you in a tender time of transitions!
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